Odds of Hitting a Deer in Minnesota are Unfortunately Really Good

A few years ago I hit my first deer - I was driving on 41st NW near the Jiffy Lube when it tried to sprint a across the road. Deer are everywhere in Minnesota and your odds of hitting one are unfortunately pretty good.State Farm says Minnesota ranks as the 7th worst state for car/deer collisions. West Virgina was first and our neighbors in Wisconsin came in at number 5. See the full list of states here.

Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas

Motorists: Don’t swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause motorists to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic

Motorcyclists: Avoid night and low-light riding periods. Riders are encouraged to wear full face helmets and full protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash.

Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population — such as areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land; and whenever in forested areas between dusk and dawn.

Deer do unpredictable things — they stop in the middle of the road when crossing; cross and quickly re-cross back; and move toward an approaching vehicle. Blow horn to urge deer to leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road, don’t try to go around it.

Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.

If a deer is struck but not killed by a vehicle, keep a distance as deer may recover and move on. If a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, report the incident to a DNR conservation officer or other local law enforcement agency.